System for Monitoring Machine Components of Track-Type Mobile Machines

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the status of machine components of a track-type mobile machine. The method and apparatus includes a sensor system on or within a machine component of a track-type mobile machine that monitors the status or a characteristic of the machine component. The sensor system transmits the information relating to the status or characteristic to an ECU of the track-type mobile machine and the ECU performs an action based thereon.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to mobile machines and, more particularly, to a system for monitoring the usage and/or wear of machine components of track-type mobile machines in real-time.

BACKGROUND

Mobile machines are in widespread use in construction, mining, forestry, and other similar industries. Due to the environment in which they are used, many times mobile machines are track-type machines rather wheel-type machines. The undercarriage of such track-type machines utilizes track assemblies, rather than wheels, to provide ground-engaging propulsion. Such track assemblies may be preferred in environments where creating sufficient traction is problematic, such as the environments identified above. Specifically, rather than rolling across a work surface on wheels, track-type machines utilize one or more track assemblies that include a loop of coupled track links defining exterior surfaces, which may themselves comprise, or may be coupled to components that comprise, ground-engaging track shoes, and interior surfaces that travel about one or more rotatable track-engaging elements, such as, drive sprockets, idlers, tensioners, and rollers, for example, all of which may be considered to comprise the undercarriage of the track-type machine.

The environments in which track-type machines are used, namely the environments of the prior-mentioned construction, mining, forestry, etc. industries, can be extremely harsh and tend to put extreme wear on the undercarriage of track-type machines. Accordingly, it is not uncommon for the undercarriage of a track-type machine (or components thereof) to require replacement from time to time. Specifically, it is known to service or replace a machine component, for example, when the component exceeds its expected lifetime (based on the age of the component or number of hours of use experienced by the component), or based on the results of inspection or evaluation of the component.

In accordance therewith, methods have been developed to monitor potential wear on vehicle equipment for repair and or replacement. For example, known prior art methods of monitoring wear for vehicle components, and in particular undercarriage components on track-type vehicles, has included simple inspection and evaluation by an operator and/or technician. However, such a process has some drawbacks. Specifically, simple inspection and evaluation of a machine component may result in unnecessary costs and machine down-time when it is determined that service or replacement of the component is not required. Still further, inspection and evaluation may require that the machine be evaluated by temporarily installing various sensors throughout the machine, with extensive cabling connecting the sensor to a computer that collects data and other information from the sensors. In such situations, the cabling may prevent the machine from being operated on the worksite, and thus such evaluation does not provide information relating to the actual use of the machine while performing work.

Accordingly, it may be desired for methods to monitor the wear on mobile vehicle equipment for repair and or replacement that may monitor the equipment remotely and/or automatically without need for an operator/technician to physically inspect the equipment or that does not result in equipment down time for such monitoring processes. Consistent therewith, US Pub. No. 2002/0116992 to Rickel discloses a system for monitoring wear of a vehicle component, such as tread wear on the wheel of a vehicle, such as a car. More specifically, the Rickel disclosure describes embedding transponders in the tire tread of a motor vehicle tire in such a way that when the tire wears sufficiently, the transponders are exposed to wear and destroyed, thereby terminating the radio frequency being sent out by the transponders. At that time, a corresponding radio frequency monitor recognizes the cessation of the monitored radio frequency and signals to the vehicle ECU that tire tread wear is beyond desired amount.

However, this known method, and others, for remotely determining when components are to be serviced or replaced suffers from some disadvantages as well. For example, with respect to the Rickel reference, sometimes it may not be practical to embed a transponder in a particular component in order to monitor the wear thereof, or depending on the component, that physical wear capable of destroying the transponder is not a practical indicator of overall wear of that component. With respect to other prior art methods, such as simple service time calculations, a particular machine component may be capable of being used far in excess of its expected lifetime, and thus replacement of the component based solely on service time may be premature and result in unnecessary costs and machine down-time. Conversely, a particular machine component may fail well in advance of its expected lifetime based on service time calculations, and continued operation of the machine with the damaged component may result in damage to other components of the machine.

Thus, there exists a need for an improved sensor system for collecting information related to a mobile machine relevant to servicing equipment thereof. The sensor system and method in accordance with the current disclosure may overcome or avoid the above discussed or other disadvantages resulting from the use of known systems and methods.

SUMMARY

The current disclosure may provide a method for collecting information related to a machine component of a mobile machine that is configured to perform work on a worksite. The sensor system may be installed on or within the machine component, and the machine component may be installed with the sensor system on the mobile machine. The information may be collected with the sensor system while the machine is performing work on the worksite, the information relating to a characteristic experienced by the machine component. The information may be transmitted to a network of the mobile machine using the sensor system using either a wired or wireless connection.

The current disclosure may further provide a method for collecting information related to a machine component of an undercarriage of a mobile machine that is configured to perform work on a worksite, utilizing a sensor system on or within the machine component. In accordance therewith, the sensor system may comprise a battery operated BlueTooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter and a corresponding BLE transceiver. The information may be collected with the BLE sensor system while the machine is performing work on the worksite and the information may be related to at least one of wear, temperature, fluid level, fluid pressure, or load experienced by a machine component of the undercarriage. Specifically, The signal from the BLE transmitter may be received by a BLE transceiver which communicates with a Controller Area Network (CAN) system on the machine.

In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, an undercarriage load for a track-type machine (both instantaneous and over time) may be calculated utilizing information received from a sensor system in accordance with the disclosure. More specifically, a BLE transmitter may be located in or on a portion of the track on a track-type machine, such as, for example, located in or on a track pin. The BLE transmitter may then output a signal to a BLE transceiver (and other associated sensor equipment) located on another portion of the machine which can be used to calculate the speed of the track at any given time. Utilizing track speed, in combination with existing monitoring of machine torque converter input and output speeds (as is known in the art), a calculation of instantaneous load and load over time on the undercarriage may be made utilizing a track-type machine Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

Further in accordance with the present disclosure, a sensor indication of certain conditions, including the absence of a signal (indicating that sensor has stopped transmitting or aftermarket parts have been installed not including a sensor), certain actions can be triggered. For example, ECU indication that undercarriage load/speed, either instantaneously, or in the aggregate over time, exceed the capabilities of the undercarriage can trigger an alert to the operator of the condition, an indication to the operator of imminent shutdown if the situation is not rectified in a certain period of time, reduced power sent to the undercarriage to resolve the situation, shutting down of undercarriage related electronics, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a sensor system for use consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a pictorial isometric view of a track-type machine with which the sensor system of FIG. 1 may be used, consistent with the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a track chain suitable for use in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of using the sensor system of FIG. 1, consistent with the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor system 10 and BLE system 34, in accordance with the disclosure. Sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure and/or receive data or other information, and/or may output data or other information related to a mobile machine on or within which sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is installed. As discussed in further detail below, the measured, received, and/or outputted information may be related to one or more of a characteristic of the machine on or within which sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is installed, a characteristic of a component of the machine, an operating condition of the machine, an environmental condition experienced by the machine, or any other information.

For example, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used with a mobile machine such as a tractor (as shown in and described below with reference to a bulldozer shown in FIG. 2), or any other machine or structure. Sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be installed on or within (e.g., embedded within an interior) a component of the machine, such as during manufacture of the machine component, and information from sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to determine when the machine component and/or another machine component is to be repaired, serviced, or replaced. Alternately or additionally, the information from sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 also may be used to control operation of the machine. Control of the mobile machine may include adjustment of the machine component that includes sensor system 10 or BLE system 34, adjustment of another machine component, or autonomous control of the mobile machine. When the machine component is replaced, the replacement component also may include another sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 installed within or on the component.

As shown in FIG. 1, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory hardware components, including one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processors. For example, a sensing component 12 may be used to directly and/or indirectly measure, sense, and/or otherwise receive information as an input. A signal conditioner 14 may condition a signal received from sensing component 12, such that the signal may be used by one or more components of sensor system 10. An amplifier 16 may amplify one or more signals for further use by one or more components of sensor system 10. A multiplexer 18 may multiplex one or more signals for further use by one or more components of sensor system 10. A converter 20, such as either or both of an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter, may convert one or more signals for further use by one or more components of sensor system 10.

A controller 22, such as a low-power microcontroller, may provide an output in response to the input received from sensing component 12 and/or one or more signals processed by any or all of signal conditioner 14, amplifier 16, multiplexer 18, and converter 20. An on-board memory 24, such as either or both of a random-access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM), may store information related to one or more of the input received from sensing component 12, one or more processed signals from signal conditioner 14, amplifier 16, multiplexer 18, and/or converter 20, and the output from controller 22. Alternately or additionally, on-board memory 24 may store instructions used by one or more other components of sensor system 10, such as controller 22.

A transceiver 26, such as for example a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver, may wirelessly broadcast the output provided by controller 22, such as at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, 900 MHz, or another frequency. Alternately or additionally, an output port 28, such as for example a USB (universal serial bus) port or similar port, may transmit the output provided by controller 22 through a cable or other connection removably connected to output port 28. A battery 30, such as for example a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, may power one or more of the components of sensor system 10. Alternately or in addition to battery 30, an energy source 32, such as a vibration-based energy-harvesting system, may power one or more of the components of sensor system 10, and/or may be used to charge battery 30. Any or all of these components may be located in a sealed housing that sufficiently protects the components from damage due to heat, cold, vibration, weather, exposure to liquids, worksite conditions, and/or any other conditions that may damage the components of the sensor system 10. In aspects of the disclosure, sensor system 10 may be replaced by a BLE system 34 comprising a BLE transmitter 36 and a separate BLE transceiver 38.

Although FIG. 1 shows examples of specific components used in sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 the disclosure is not limited to the particular configuration shown in the drawing. Rather, consistent with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may include other components, more components, or fewer components than those described above. Further, it is contemplated that one or more of the hardware components listed above may be implemented in part or wholly using software. One or more of such software components may be stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor or other computer hardware, perform methods and processes consistent with the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a particular, non-limiting embodiment of a tractor using sensor system 10 or BLE system 34. Specifically, the figure shows bulldozer 40 as an example of a mobile machine with which the above-described sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used. Although FIG. 2 shows a bulldozer, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used with any other type of tracked or wheeled mobile machine, such as a tractor, a loader, an excavator, or any other machine that performs an operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, demolition, landfill, farming, or any other industry.

Bulldozer 40 may include a tracked undercarriage 42 that is driven by a power source 44. Specifically, power source 44 may drive tracked undercarriage 42 at a range of output speeds and/or torques. Power source 44 may be an engine, such as for example a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, or any other suitable engine. Power source 44 may also be a non-combustion source of power, such as for example a fuel cell, a power storage device, or any other source of power known in the art.

Tracked undercarriage 42 may include tracks 46 (only one shown in FIG. 2) on left and right sides of thereof, which are driven by power source 44 via sprockets 48 also on left and right sides thereof. Specifically, each sprocket 48 may be driven by a final drive axle 50 that is, in turn, driven by power source 44. Each track 46 may include a chain 52 to which track shoes 53 are attached. Each chain 52 may include a plurality of chain link assemblies 54 made up of track links 55 connected to each other by rod assemblies 56. Sprockets 48 may engage and transmit a torque to rod assemblies 56 to thereby move chains 52 about idler assemblies 58 and roller assemblies 60. Each idler assembly 58 may include an idler wheel 62 that rotates on an idler shaft (not shown). Each roller assembly 60 may includes a roller rim 64 that rotates on a roller shaft (not shown). Generally, two idler assemblies 58 and between four and eight roller assemblies 60 may be used on each side of bulldozer 40. However, a different number of idler assemblies 58 and/or roller assemblies 60 may be used on one or both sides of bulldozer 40. In accordance with the disclosure, other roller assemblies (not shown) may be used with or in place of either or both of idler assemblies 58 and roller assemblies 60.

As shown in FIG. 2, bulldozer 40 may include a ground engaging tool 66 connected to a back end of the machine. Ground engaging tool 66 may be, for example, a ripper that is configured to break up a ground surface, rock, or other materials on the worksite. The ripper may include a replaceable ripper tip 67 that is removably disposed in a ripper shank 68. Although FIG. 2 shows an example of a particular ground engaging tool, bulldozer 40 is not limited to using only a ripper. Instead, bulldozer 40 may use a different type of ground engaging tool. Also consistent with the disclosure, bulldozer 40 may omit the use of ground engaging tool 66 entirely.

As shown in FIG. 2, bulldozer 40 may include a blade 69 connected to a front end of the machine. Blade 69 may be used to push, move, pickup, carry, or otherwise perform work on soil, rock, or debris, for example, on the worksite. Although FIG. 2 shows an example of a particular blade 69, bulldozer 40 is not limited to using this specific blade. Instead, bulldozer 40 may include a different type of blade. Also consistent with the disclosure, bulldozer 40 may omit the use of blade 69 entirely. Details related to the use of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 with bulldozer 40 that may include ground engaging tool 66 and/or blade 69, among other components, are discussed in the following section.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a track pin joint assembly 100 of a track chain that can be used as part of a tracked undercarriage of a track-type tractor, tracked loader, or any other tracked machine known in the art. As shown, the illustrated portion of the track pin joint assembly 100 includes a bushing 102, a pair of inserts 104, and a pair of outer end collars 106 disposed over a track pin 108 defining a longitudinal axis 109. A plurality of track links 110 are disposed over the inserts 104 and the collars 106 around the track pin 108.

As is well known in the art, the components of the track pin joint assembly 100 can define a plurality of annular seal cavities 112 that extend around the track pin 108 and are each adapted for housing therein a seal assembly suitable for sealingly engaging rotating components of the track pin joint assembly 100. For purposes of illustration, the left-side insert 104 can be considered a first member, and the bushing 102 can be considered a second member. The first member 104 and the second member 102 are both coaxial with the pin 108 about the longitudinal axis 109. The first member 104 is pivotable with respect to the second member 102 about a rotational axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis 109 of the track pin 108. The first member 104 includes an end and a load ring engagement surface defining, at least in part, an axially-extending seal cavity 112 disposed in proximal relationship to the second member 102. A seal assembly can be disposed within the seal cavity 112 to sealingly engage the first member 104 and the second member 102 while allowing relative rotation therebetween. In accordance with the disclosure, the sensor system 10 or BLE transmitter 36 may be located on or in the track pin 108 including, but not limited to, for example, in the seal cavity 112, or in portions of the track that are used to seal oil in the cavity, etc.

In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, an undercarriage 42 load for a track-type machine 40 (both instantaneous and over time) may be calculated utilizing information received from the sensor system 10 or BLE system 34. More specifically, the sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be located in or on a portion of the track 46, such as, for example, located in or on the track pin 108 or, in the case of the BLE system 34, the BLE transmitter 36 may be placed in or on the track pin 108 and the BLE transceiver 38 may be located remotely on the machine 40. In either embodiments, the sensor system 10 or BLE transmitter 36 may output a signal which can be used to calculate the speed of the track 46 at any given time. Utilizing track 46 speed, in combination with existing monitoring of machine torque converter input and output speeds (as is known in the art), a calculation of instantaneous load and load over time on the undercarriage 42 may be made utilizing the machine ECU (not shown).

Further in accordance with the present disclosure, the sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 indication of certain conditions, including the absence of a signal (indicating that sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 has stopped transmitting or aftermarket parts have been installed not including sensor system 10 or BLE system 34/BLE transmitter 36), or absence of a pre-programmed machine serial number and/or track part number (that may be programmed into sensor system 10 or BLE transmitter 36), certain actions can be triggered. For example, ECU (not shown) indication that undercarriage 42 load/speed, either instantaneously, or in the aggregate over time, exceed the capabilities of the undercarriage 42 can trigger an alert to the operator of the condition, an indication to the operator of imminent shutdown if the situation is not rectified in a certain period of time, reduced power sent to the undercarriage 42 to resolve the situation, etc.

Thus, the foregoing description describes an exemplary configuration of sensor system 10 and BLE system 34, as well as examples of particular mobile machines (e.g., bulldozer 40) with which sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used, and particular locations on a track-type machine 40 where the sensor system 10 or BLE transmitter 36 may be located.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of using sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 that is configured to measure or otherwise collect information relating to one or more of the above-discussed characteristics experienced by a machine 40 component and then perform an action based thereon. As shown in FIG. 4, in Step 410 sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be installed on or within on a component of a mobile machine, such as bulldozer 40, or any other machine. The location and way in which sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is installed may be related to the characteristic or characteristics to be measured by sensor system 10 or BLE system 34.

For example, when sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is to measure load on a track 46, sensor system 10 or BLE transmitter 36 may be installed directly on or within an interior of the track link, including on or in a track pin 108. In accordance with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 or BLE transmitter 36 may be installed during manufacture of the machine component, and may be installed in such as way as to impede or prevent removal, replacement, or servicing of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34, such that the machine component and sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be provided as a single unit. As further shown in FIG. 4, in Step 420 the machine component with sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be installed on the mobile machine. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, the particular machine component may be for use in a bulldozer, such as a component of the tracked undercarriage 42. However, in accordance with the disclosure, the machine component of Step 410 is not limited to components for use in these specific machines, and thus the machine of Step 420 is similarly not limited to being a bulldozer or other track-type machine.

As shown in FIG. 4, in Step 430 sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may collect and process data or other information related to the measured characteristic (e.g., wear, temperature, fluid level, fluid pressure, or load), as experienced by the machine component. This information may be collected during operation of the machine on the worksite, and thus may reflect actual conditions experienced by the machine component while the machine is performing work. In accordance with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may include a particular sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 configured to receive information related to the particular characteristic to be measured. For example, when sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is to measure load experienced by a track link, sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may include one or more strain gauges. As discussed above, components of sensor system 10, such as signal conditioner 14, amplifier 16, multiplexer 18, and converter 20, may be used to process the signals received from sensing component 12 and/or from one another. Controller 22 may determine an output in response to the input received from sensing component 12 and/or signals received from one or more of signal conditioner 14, amplifier 16, multiplexer 18, and converter 20. Memory 24 may store information related to one or more of the input received from sensing component 12, signals from one or more of signal conditioner 14, amplifier 16, multiplexer 18, and converter 20, and the output from controller 22.

As shown in FIG. 4, in Step 440 sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may output information related to the measured characteristic. For example, when sensor system 10 or BLE transmitter 36 collects information related to load experienced by a track link, the output transmitted may be indicative of that load. The output may be received by a component on-board the machine and/or by a component off-board the machine.

As shown in FIG. 4, in Step 450 an action is performed on the basis of the measured characteristic. For example, the output may be used by the on-board and/or off-board component to provide an alert so that an operator on the machine or another entity may take corrective or other action, so that automatic adjustment of the machine component including sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 and/or another machine component may occur, and/or so that the mobile machine may be autonomously controlled. More specifically, other actions that could occur in response to the outputted characterising include, but is not limited to, an alert to the operator of the condition, an indication to the operator of imminent shutdown if the situation is not rectified in a certain period of time, reduced power sent to the undercarriage to resolve the situation, shutting down of undercarriage related electronics, notification of non-compliant part and imminent shut-down based thereon, provide an alert of desired or required component maintenance or replacement, control machine power to mitigate component failure or wear, autonomously control operation of an implement of the machine to prevent component failure or wear, provide an alert of desired or required track tension adjustment, and/or provide an alert of abnormal component wear.

In accordance with the disclosure, a single sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure a plurality of the above-discussed characteristics (e.g., may measure at least two of wear, temperature, fluid level, fluid pressure, or load), and/or may measure other characteristics. Alternately or additionally, a mobile machine or other structure may include multiple sensor systems 10 or BLE systems 34, each measuring one or more of the above characteristics and/or other characteristics. Thus, although the foregoing description provides specific examples, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is not limited to the particular uses described above. Rather, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure any characteristic of a machine on and/or within which it is installed, characteristic of a component of the machine, operating condition of the machine, environmental condition, ambient condition, or any other information. By way of non-limiting examples, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure or determine stress, relative distance between components, velocity, angular velocity, acceleration, angular acceleration, position, bolt clamp load, joint clamp load, crack initiation, crack propagation, torque, whether a part is attached properly, whether a part is attached tightly, whether a part is loose, whether a part is missing, whether a part is rotating, or whether a part is not rotating, among others.

The output of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used by various entities. By way of non-limiting example, the output may be used by an operator of the machine, a foreperson of the worksite, a repair person, and/or a customer. Thus, benefits provided by using sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may include improved machine life, improved machine performance, improved machine maintenance scheduling, improved tracking of the machine by equipment maintenance manager, improved component life, improved component performance, enhanced machine resale value, and/or improved product design and validation.

Of course, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is not limited to the particular machines or examples described above, but instead may be used with any machine, such as a machine having any type of ground engaging tool. For example, the machine may be a hydraulic front shovel, cable (rope) shovel, backhoe, mass excavator, hydraulic excavator, dragline, wheel loader, track-type loader, or any other machine.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In accordance with the disclosure, the above-described sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure and/or receive data or other information, and/or may output data or other information, related to a machine with which sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is used, including a mobile machine such as bulldozer 40. Described herein are specific examples of characteristics, including wear, temperature, fluid level, fluid pressure, and load, which may be measured by sensor system 10 or BLE system 34. More specifically, In accordance with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to measure wear (e.g., including but not being limited to a change in a physical size or shape of a component which is caused by use and/or contact with one or more other components). By way of non-limiting example, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure wear of a component within a tracked or wheeled undercarriage of a mobile machine, such as a track link, a track shoe, a component of a roller assembly, a component of an idler assembly, a sprocket, a bushing, any other roller, and combinations of these or other components. Consistent with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure wear of a component of a ground engaging tool, such as: a tip, an adapter, an edge, a base edge, a sidecutter, or any other component of a bucket; a tip, a plate, an end bit, or any other component of a compactor; a ripper tip; a cutting edge; a wear bar; a wear plate; and combinations of these or other components. Also consistent with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to measure wear of a component of a tunnel boring machine, such as a rock cutter, other components of a cutting head, or combinations of these or other components. Sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is not limited to measuring wear of only these systems and components, however, but instead may be used to measure wear of any component of the above-discussed systems, or different components of other systems.

When sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is used to measure wear, a component of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34, such as sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36, may be placed in a location where wear is to be measured. For example, sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may be located on a specific portion of a surface of a machine component, so that as the surface of the machine component is worn, sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 simultaneously experiences a corresponding amount of wear. A characteristic or an output of sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may change as sensing component 12 wears. In accordance with the disclosure, a circuit might be opened or closed when a component (a wire, a capacitor, a resistor, a diode, a transistor, or another component) of sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 is worn beyond a threshold amount, or an electric characteristic of sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may progressively change based on and in relation to an amount of wear experienced by sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36.

Also in accordance with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to measure temperature. By way of non-limiting example, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure temperature of or within a component in a tracked or wheeled undercarriage of a mobile machine, such as a component of a roller assembly, a component of an idler assembly, a bushing, any other roller, and combinations of these or other components. Sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is not limited to measuring temperature of only these systems and components, but instead may be used to measure temperature of any components of the above-discussed systems, or different components of other systems.

A component of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34, such as sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36, may be used to measure temperature. For example, sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may include a thermocouple. Sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may or may not be submerged in a fluid, such as a lubricant (e.g. oil), within an interior of a component of the machine. The above-discussed components of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may then process one or more signals and transmit an output thereof to a component on-board the machine and/or a component off-board the machine.

Still further in accordance with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to measure fluid level or pressure. By way of non-limiting example, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure a level or a pressure of fluid within a component in a tracked or wheeled undercarriage of a mobile machine, such as one or more hydraulic systems associated with any of a roller assembly, an idler assembly, any other roller assembly, and combinations of these or other components. Consistent with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to measure fluid level or pressure within a component of a tunnel boring machine, such as one or more hydraulic systems associated with a rock cutter, other components of one or more hydraulic systems associated with a cutting head or any other component. Sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is not limited to measuring a level or a pressure of fluid within only these systems and components, but instead may be used to measure fluid level or pressure within any components of the above-discussed systems, or different components of other systems.

A component of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34, such as sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36, may be used to measure the fluid level or pressure. Sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may or may not be submerged in a fluid, such as a lubricant (e.g. oil), within an interior of a component of the machine. For example, sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may include an optical sensor that optically detects the level of fluid. Alternately or additionally, sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may include a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the fluid within the interior of the component. The above-discussed components of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may then process one or more signals, and transmit an output thereof to a component on-board the machine and/or a component off-board the machine.

Still further in accordance with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to measure load. By way of non-limiting example, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure load on a component within a tracked or wheeled undercarriage of a mobile machine, such as a track link, a track shoe, a component of a roller assembly, a component of an idler assembly, a sprocket, a bushing, any other roller, and combinations of these or other components. Consistent with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure load on a component of a ground engaging tool, such as: a tip, an adapter, an edge, a base edge, a sidecutter, or any other component of a bucket; a tip, a plate, an end bit, or any other component of a compactor; a ripper tip; a cutting edge; a wear bar; a wear plate; and combinations of these or other components.

When sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is used to measure load, a component of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34, such as sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36, may be placed in a location where load is to be measured. For example, sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may be one or more strain gauges. The above-discussed components of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may then process one or more signals, and transmit an output thereof to a component on-board the machine and/or a component off-board the machine.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain functions is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those functions, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

We claim:
 1. A track-type mobile machine including an operator alert system comprising: a track-type mobile machine having an engine, the engine having an ECU operatively connected to the engine, and an undercarriage, the undercarriage including a track; a transmitter located on a portion of the track for transmitting information; and a transceiver located on a portion of the track type-mobile machine and operatively connected to the ECU, for receiving information from the transmitter and communicating the information to the ECU.
 2. The track-type mobile machine of claim 1 wherein the engine includes a torque converter, the ECU monitors a torque converter input speed and a torque converter output speed, the transmitter transmits information relating to a track speed to the transceiver, and the ECU calculates an undercarriage load based thereon.
 3. The track-type mobile machine of claim 2 wherein an alert is displayed to an operator of the track-type mobile machine if the undercarriage load or track speed exceeds a predetermined limit.
 4. The track-type mobile machine of claim 3 wherein if the undercarriage load or track speed is not reduced below the predetermined limit after a predetermined period of time, the ECU reduces engine power to a predetermined level.
 5. The track-type mobile machine of claim 1 wherein the information transmitted by the transmitter includes at least one of a serial number for the track-type mobile machine and a track part number.
 6. The track-type mobile machine of claim 5 wherein the ECU compares the transmitted serial number or track part number to an expected serial number or track part number, and if the expected serial number or track part number does not match the transmitted serial number or track part number, or no serial number or track part number is received, the ECU disables undercarriage-related electronics.
 7. The track-type mobile machine of claim 1 wherein the transmitter is a BLE transmitter and the transceiver is a BLE transceiver.
 8. The track-type mobile machine of claim 1 wherein the track is a loop comprised of a plurality of coupled track links, the track links are coupled by a track pin, at least one track pin having a sealing cavity, and wherein the transmitter is positioned in the sealing cavity.
 9. A method for monitoring the status of machine components of a track-type mobile machine, the method comprising: installing a sensor system on or within a machine component of a track-type mobile machine; installing the machine component with the sensor system on the track-type mobile machine, and operably connecting the sensor system to an ECU for the track-type mobile machine; collecting information with the sensor system while the track-type mobile machine is performing work on a worksite, the information relating to a characteristic experienced by the machine component; transmitting the information with the sensor system to the ECU; comparing the information collected by the sensor system with predetermined parameters stored within the ECU related to the characteristic experienced by the machine component; and performing an action in response to the information collected based upon the relationship of the information to the predetermined parameters.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the characteristic is at least one of wear, temperature, fluid level, fluid pressure, speed, or load experienced by the machine component.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein an alert is displayed to an operator of the track-type mobile machine if the collected information falls outside the predetermined parameters.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein the ECU reduces an engine power of the track-type mobile machine to a predetermined level if the collected information falls outside the predetermined parameters.
 13. The method of claim 9 wherein the collected information is at least one of a serial number for the track-type mobile machine and a machine component part number.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the ECU compares the serial number or machine component part number to an expected serial number or machine component part number, and, if the expected serial number or track part number does not match the received serial number or machine component part number, or no serial number or machine component part number is received, the ECU disables predetermined machine component-related functions.
 15. The method of claim 9 wherein the sensor system includes a BLE transmitter and a BLE transceiver.
 16. The method of claim 9 wherein the machine component is an undercarriage of a track-type mobile machine and the information collected is a speed of a track used in connection therewith.
 17. A method for monitoring the status of an undercarriage of a track-type mobile machine, the method comprising: selecting a track-type mobile machine having an engine, the engine having an ECU operatively connected to the engine, and an undercarriage, the undercarriage including a track; installing a transmitter on a portion of the track for transmitting information; installing a transceiver on a portion of a track type-mobile machine operatively connected to the ECU, for receiving information from the transmitter and communicating the information to the ECU; collecting information with the transmitter while the track-type mobile machine is performing work on a worksite, the information relating to a characteristic experienced by the track.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein an alert is displayed to an operator of the track-type mobile machine if the information relating to a characteristic experienced by the track is outside of predetermined parameters stored in the ECU.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein the information transmitted by the transmitter includes at least one of a serial number for the track-type mobile machine and a track part number.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising comparing the transmitted serial number or track part number to an expected serial number or track part number, and if the expected serial number or track part number does not match the transmitted serial number or track part number, or no serial number or track part number is received, disabling a predetermined undercarriage-related function. 